Pelham Examiner

Gabby Ahitow, Executive Editor

Gabby Ahitow is a junior at Pelham Memorial High School. She has been with the paper since it first started in 2018. Gabby has written for the Colonial Times, News of Pelham, PMS Post, and The Pel Mel. Besides writing, she plays the violin, soccer, and lacrosse for the high school, and participates in various clubs. She sails competitively outside of school. The Pelham Examiner has taught her so much and she looks forward to growing with the paper.

All content by Gabby Ahitow
PMS eighth graders unveil mural created in collaboration with Connecticut artist

PMS eighth graders unveil mural created in collaboration with Connecticut artist

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
May 26, 2023

Every year, the outgoing Pelham Middle School eighth grade class creates an art piece to be hung in the hallway to commemorate that class's time at PMS. Each art piece is created by every student in that...

Courtesy of Tatiana Irani

Foto Feature: PMHS junior class hosts annual prom

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
May 26, 2023

The Pelham Memorial High School junior class hosted its junior prom on May 19 in the gym. The event was organized by the class of 2024 student association officers. Students danced the night away with...

Pelham Living, new lifestyle magazine, aims to connect families and businesses

Pelham Living, new lifestyle magazine, aims to connect families and businesses

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
February 15, 2023

Best Version Media is introducing Pelham Living magazine in April with plans to feature a local family on the cover of every issue and to publish community-centered articles. The mission of the monthly...

Christian Hodge

Christian Hodge resigns as athletic director of Pelham school district

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
February 9, 2023

Athletic Director Christian Hodge has resigned after three years on the job in the Pelham school district. Hodge is leaving effective March 10 to take a similar position at another school district,...

Kate Douglass swimming at the University of Virginia.

Kate Douglass smashes American, U.S. open 200 breast records for third time

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
February 5, 2023

Kate Douglass has once again broken the 200 breast American and US Open records with a time of 2:01.43. Douglass has broken this record three times in the last year and holds four of the seven fastest...

Downed tree closes Franklin Place and back entrance to PMHS

Downed tree closes Franklin Place and back entrance to PMHS

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
February 3, 2023

A downed tree closed Franklin Place outside the side entrance to Pelham Memorial High School on Friday. Students and faculty were not allowed to use the Franklin Place doorway. Cars are being directed...

Pelham Public Library seeks redesign plan to accommodate community needs

Pelham Public Library seeks redesign plan to accommodate community needs

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
January 3, 2023

The Town of Pelham Public Library has announced a planning process for the redesign of the facility. The library board of trustees is seeking to develop or redesign the building's space to house more people...

Pelham Memorial High School

Swastika found in PMHS stairwell

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
October 24, 2022

A swastika was found at Pelham Memorial High School "scratched into the top of a stairwell" in an area not frequently used by students or staff, Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ said Monday evening in an...

Liberty Coca Colas new KeelClip packaging.

Student’s essay inspires new Coca Cola packaging that reduces plastic consumption

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
October 21, 2022

When a seventh grader in 2019, Bennett Wies wasn't sure what to write about for Assemblywoman Amy Paulin's annual "There Ought to be a Law" essay contest. "I remember being stumped when we first got...

Netflixs Purple Hearts tells unique story with up-and-coming actors

Netflix’s ‘Purple Hearts’ tells unique story with up-and-coming actors

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
September 9, 2022

The Netflix original "Purple Hearts" has captivated the hearts of viewers with Forbes calling the movie "one of Netflix's most successful films ever." Now the title may sound simple, but the complexity...

Pelham firefighters, county hazmat team deal with garbage truck fire on Fifth Avenue

Pelham firefighters, county hazmat team deal with garbage truck fire on Fifth Avenue

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
August 31, 2022

Village of Pelham firefighters responded to a fire in the rear of a sanitation truck right outside the firehouse Monday and needed to call the Westchester County Hazmat Team because the truck's contents...

Streets and homes were flooded during the June 2 storm.

Pelham streets, high school gym and auditorium flooded, forcing concert to move, canceling film screening

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
June 3, 2022

Flash flooding from a Thursday afternoon thunderstorm closed Highbrook Avenue and Wolfs Lane and other Pelham streets. The Pelham Memorial High School blue gym and auditorium were also flooded. That...

The AcaPelicans.

Foto Feature: 18 groups perform in annual PMHS Battle of the Bands

By Cristina Stefanizzi and Gabby Ahitow
May 27, 2022

On Thursday night, 18 groups from Pelham Memorial High School performed in the annual Battle of the Bands in the courtyard between the middle and high school. Groups included The M.A.C., The Heartbeats,...

Girl Scouts look to celebrate 100 years of service to Pelham

Girl Scouts look to celebrate 100 years of service to Pelham

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
May 23, 2022

The Girl Scouts of Pelham will celebrate more than 100 years of activity and service later this year, with specific plans still in the works. "This tremendous milestone will show our current Girl...

Lelia Brady creates comic book on surviving PMHS as final project for Girl Scout Gold Award

Lelia Brady creates comic book on surviving PMHS as final project for Girl Scout Gold Award

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
May 20, 2022

Lelia Brady is creating a comic book, "The PMHS Survival Guide Book," for freshman and new students making the transition to Pelham Memorial High School as her final project for the Gold Award, the highest...

The fight to protect student journalists from censorship

The fight to protect student journalists from censorship

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
May 5, 2022

The 1969 court case Tinker v. Des Moines ruled that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." Twenty years later, the case Hazelwood...

Kate Douglass with UVA swimming head coach Todd DeSorbo, who won coach of the year.

Kate Douglass named Women’s Swimmer of the Year by college swimming association

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
April 1, 2022

Pelham native Kate Douglass was named Women's Swimmer of the Year by the College Swimming and Diving Association of America (CSCAA). Douglass broke American records in the 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly and...

From left, Breda Bennett and Maurice Owen-Michaane

Bennett and Owen-Michaane reelected to Manor village board after running unopposed

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
March 17, 2022

Incumbent Trustees Bridget "Breda" Bennett and Maurice Owen-Michaane were officially reelected to the village board March 15 after facing no opponents on the ballot. Owen-Michaane and Bennett ran on...

From left, Breda Bennett and Maurice Owen-Michaane.

Manor incumbent Trustees Bennett, Owen-Michaane running unopposed on GOP, Neighborhood party lines

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
March 2, 2022

Village of Pelham Manor incumbent Trustees Bridget "Breda" Bennett and Maurice Owen-Michaane are running unopposed for reelection as nominees of the Republican and Neighborhood parties. Voting for the...

Sergios Ristorante named to OpenTables Top 100 restaurants of America

Sergio’s Ristorante named to OpenTable’s Top 100 restaurants of America

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
January 25, 2022

The Village of Pelham's own Sergio's Ristorante was one of nine restaurants in the New York area named to OpenTable's 100 top places in America to dine in 2021, after the online restaurant reservation...

Jan. 6 vigil at Wolfs Lane Park honors those who died during attack on Capitol by Trump supporters

Jan. 6 vigil at Wolfs Lane Park honors those who died during attack on Capitol by Trump supporters

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
January 12, 2022

A vigil Jan. 6 at Wolfs Lane Park memorialized the five people who died one year ago when supporters of former President Donald Trump—following his encouragement—stormed the U.S. Capitol in order to...

Pelham Picture House will expand to Bronxville with ten-year lease on former Bow Tie Cinema

Pelham Picture House will expand to Bronxville with ten-year lease on former Bow Tie Cinema

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
December 20, 2021

The Picture House Regional Film Center will expand to Bronxville when it takes over operations of the Bow Tie Cinema, which was in danger of closing for good, under a ten-year lease. Like the Picture...

Donald Otondi takes American immigrants journey to seat on Pelham village board

Donald Otondi takes American immigrant’s journey to seat on Pelham village board

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
December 13, 2021

While taking college-level technology classes in Nairobi, Kenya, Donald Otondi learned about computers without ever being in the presence of an actual computer. His well educated father urged him to...

Cannabis flower, sativa strain.

Public hearing: Six speakers oppose, two support cannabis businesses in Village of Pelham

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
November 1, 2021

Six residents opposed allowing cannabis businesses in the Village of Pelham while two came out in favor during public hearings Tuesday at the board of trustees meeting. The hearings were on two proposed...

Jordan Salama and his new book.

PMHS grad Jordan Salama to publish book on trip down Colombia’s mighty Magdalena River

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
October 6, 2021

Pelham Memorial High School and Princeton University alum Jordan Salama spent a good portion of his college career trying to decide what types of writing he liked doing. It was not till he traveled to...

Toonerville Fest is tune-filled reunion for Pelham community—with smiles, dancing and good food thrown in

Toonerville Fest is tune-filled reunion for Pelham community—with smiles, dancing and good food thrown in

By Gabby Ahitow and Cristina Stefanizzi
September 22, 2021

Pelham residents and out-of-towners, headlining acts and local performers met the bright sunshine Saturday with music, smiles and some serious boogying on parking lot 7 at the first-ever Toonerville...

Vito Pisano was grand marshall in the 2016 Pelham Memorial Day parade.

WW2 vet Vito Pisano was taught by parents work hard to succeed—he did and he is

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
August 4, 2021

At age 17, Vito "Ace" Pisano graduated from Bronx Vocational School and started working in the Brooklyn Navy Yard as an apprentice steamfitter. It was the beginning of World War II. He put in long, tough...

Heading to touch for first, Kate Douglass in the final lap of the 200 IM quarterfinal.

Kate Douglass wins first Olympic heat in 200 IM, moves to semifinals Monday night (video)

By Gabby Ahitow, Assistant Managing Editor
July 26, 2021

In her Tokyo Olympics debut Monday, PMHS alum Kate Douglass won a quarterfinal heat of the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:09.16, swimming her personal best and leading right off the block. Douglass...

Pelhams SummerFest returns with fitness classes, food and live music

Pelham’s SummerFest returns with fitness classes, food and live music

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
June 12, 2021

Events kicked off with a dog parade from Boulevard to Wolf's Lane Park, sponsored by Pelham Animal Hospital and Bischof & Bischof LLP. Here was the official return of Pelham's SummerFest on Saturday,...

Foto Feature: Musicians show off their talent at PMHSs annual Battle of the Bands

Foto Feature: Musicians show off their talent at PMHS’s annual Battle of the Bands

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
May 17, 2021

On May 14th from 5:30-8 pm, PMHS students showed off their musical talents at the annual Battle of the Bands. It was held outside in the breezeway between the middle and high school. Attendees paid...

In recent years before the pandemic, TV shows and movies shot in Westchester, including Billions with Damian Lewis as Bobby Axe Axelrod and Glenn Fleschler as Orrin Bach at the Empire City Casino in Yonkers.

Movies and TV shows filmed in Westchester expected to help boost economy following pandemic slump

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
April 7, 2021

Going back to 1965, Westchester has been the setting for many film and television productions. The county offers a variety of locations for filmed productions, everything from cities like Yonkers to small...

As Covid-19 infection rates drop, local and county officials step toward reopening—but urge caution

As Covid-19 infection rates drop, local and county officials step toward reopening—but urge caution

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
March 8, 2021

New Yorkers are seeing the lowest infection and hospitalization rates for Covid-19 in more than three months, and the numbers continue to decline, if more slowly in Westchester County during the past two...

To All The Boys: Always and Forever: Typical high-school romance gains significance during pandemic

‘To All The Boys: Always and Forever:’ Typical high-school romance gains significance during pandemic

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
February 25, 2021

Welcome to senior year of high school at Alder High, where love is in the air and college applications are due. The "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" trilogy ends with, "To All The Boys: Always and Forever,"...

Vaccine scammers seek to steal money, identity and confidential information

Vaccine scammers seek to steal money, identity and confidential information

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
February 3, 2021

Around the same time people started to get vaccinated for Covid-19, the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection started hearing about vaccine scams. The goal of these scammers is to steal...

Pelham Picture House works with Ballet Arts to produce The Nutcracker safely during Covid-19

Pelham Picture House works with Ballet Arts to produce ‘The Nutcracker’ safely during Covid-19

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
December 24, 2020

“Ballet Arts has been performing the second act of 'The Nutcracker' in collaboration with the Pelham Picture House forever,” said Sheran Daniele, artistic director of Ballet Arts-The Performing Arts...

Pelham Memorial High School

Covid-19: My freshman experience during these times

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
December 9, 2020

When I was in second grade, I watched "High School Musical." It was the first time I remember being excited about high school. In 2017, I graduated fifth grade. The feeling I felt receiving my "diploma"...

How sisters warning from Italy prompted DeCicco and Sons to prepare for Covid-19 early and fast

How sister’s warning from Italy prompted DeCicco and Sons to prepare for Covid-19 early and fast

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
December 1, 2020

Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the United States, Luisa DeCicco talked to her sister in Italy on the phone. Her sister, a doctor, advised DeCicco to start preparing herself and all the DeCicco and Sons...

Pelham Democratic Committee appeals to young adults with new youth council

Pelham Democratic Committee appeals to young adults with new youth council

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
October 28, 2020

With the November elections just around the corner, political parties are looking to expand their platforms to the younger generation. The Pelham Democratic Committee has done this by adding a Young Democrats...

Enola Holmes perfectly combines mystery with social reform

‘Enola Holmes’ perfectly combines mystery with social reform

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
September 29, 2020

Enola Holmes ( Millie Bobby Brown) is the younger sister of Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin) on a mission to find her missing mother. This movie is a great introduction to the world of...

SOOP is a GO for fall 2020 theater in the park(ing lot)

SOOP is a ‘GO’ for fall 2020 theater in the park(ing lot)

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
September 8, 2020

SOOP Theatre Company is back with a new temporary outdoor space and plans for a next production. Auditions took place last Wednesday and Thursday for "Heathers: The Musical, High School Edition" at 530...

A center of community life: Pelham Public Librarys journey to offering limited in-person services

A center of community life: Pelham Public Library’s journey to offering limited in-person services

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
August 13, 2020

Five months ago, the Pelham Public Library was filled families in the kids section, students working on homework, teens playing video games and adults reading. Patrons walked in and were greeted by the...

Hometown Athletics connects Pelham student-athlete coaches with young people

Hometown Athletics connects Pelham student-athlete coaches with young people

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
July 13, 2020

A couple of weeks ago T.J. Hurd and his siblings launched a coaching program called Hometown Athletics. The goal of the program is to connect local student-athletes with families who want personalized...

PMS staying in and stepping up with virtual graduation and other year-end activities

PMS staying in and stepping up with virtual graduation and other year-end activities

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
May 22, 2020

Pelham Middle School will hold a virtual moving-up ceremony with awards on June 23, according to an email from Principal Lynn Sabia. Students will receive programs and their diplomas in the mail before...

High school science scholars bring live online Earth Day program to elementary students

High school science scholars bring live online Earth Day program to elementary students

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
April 28, 2020

Members of the Pelham Memorial High School Environmental Science Club and the Science Research program put together a YouTube live celebration of Earth Day to teach Kindergartners through fifth graders...

Health care workers wear masks made in Pelham.

Pelham sewing community stitches medical masks to support local hospitals

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
March 27, 2020

About a week ago, Pelham Together heard that a hospital in Rhinebeck needed medical masks, and word soon came that many health care providers in the community had the same problem. Pelham Together, the...

Pinewood Derby: Pelham Girl Scouts just wanna race cars

Pinewood Derby: Pelham Girl Scouts just wanna race cars

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
February 11, 2020

"Ready, Set, GO!" screamed the Pelham Girl Scouts assembled, who hosted their Third Annual Pinewood Derby on Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The derby, long a staple of Cub Scouts, was started by...

Pelhams Ann Searle Horowitz combines passions to write middle grade fantasy novel Trident

Pelham’s Ann Searle Horowitz combines passions to write middle grade fantasy novel ‘Trident’

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
February 7, 2020

When you have a variety of passions, it can be hard to find one activity to involve all of them. But in Ann Searle Horowitz's new book "Trident," she was able to incorporate her love of swimming, writing...

Foto Feature: Rehearsals for PMS Drama Clubs production of Frozen Jr.—which runs Thursday to Sunday

Foto Feature: Rehearsals for PMS Drama Club’s production of ‘Frozen Jr.’—which runs Thursday to Sunday

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
January 29, 2020

Come watch the Pelham Middle School Drama Club members put on the most "chilling" production of "Frozen Jr." Showtimes are Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday there will be shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m,...

Pelham Middle School introduces Gender and Sexuality Alliance to promote welcoming environment

Pelham Middle School introduces Gender and Sexuality Alliance to promote welcoming environment

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
October 28, 2019

"Many students, parents and teachers felt a GSA Club would be an important addition to our school. The PMHS GSA Club has been such a supportive environment for the high school LGBTQ community, and we hope...

Minnesota company uses goats to clear out weeds and help farmers avoid chemicals

Minnesota company uses goats to clear out weeds and help farmers avoid chemicals

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
October 18, 2019

In 2017, my grandparents, Debbie and Jim Rand, and their neighbors, Peter and Cynthia Ruen, started the Driftless Goat Co. The company started with two goats, Brownie and Coco, with the hope of steering...

Swastikas found at Pelham Middle School were in boys bathroom and locker room

Swastikas found at Pelham Middle School were in boys bathroom and locker room

By Charlotte Howard and Gabby Ahitow
October 3, 2019

Pelham Middle School Principal Lynn Sabia told assemblies of each grade Wednesday that two swastikas were found in the boys bathroom in the seventh grade hallway and another in the boys locker room. On...

Minnesota State Fair, nations largest, offers food, deserts (500 stands!), animals on show and being born and midway rides

Minnesota State Fair, nation’s largest, offers food, deserts (500 stands!), animals on show and being born and midway rides

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
September 13, 2019

ST. PAUL — At the end of August every year, thousands of people walk into the biggest state fair in the country. Since the first Minnesota State Fair started in 1859, the giant event has grown to host...

RS Feva

Diary of racing sailor competing at 93rd Larchmont Race Week

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
July 26, 2019

Name: Gabby Ahitow Age: 13 Boat: RS Feva (a two-man sailing dinghy) Club: Huguenot Yacht Club (I've been going to their junior sailing program for four years and they offer a variety of regattas...

Sorrento in Italy offers cliffs towering over sea, antique shops and easy access to Pompeii and hiking

Sorrento in Italy offers cliffs towering over sea, antique shops and easy access to Pompeii and hiking

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
July 19, 2019

SORRENTO, Italy — This town is situated in southern Italy along the Amalfi Coast. It is a popular destination for tourists because of its small shops, and it can easily be reached from Naples and Pompeii....

Kim Scalisi

Hutchinson groundbreaking ceremony held indoors, still celebrates start for new school

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
June 22, 2019

Pelham Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cheryl Champ on Friday invited the architects and construction team for the new Hutchinson School, the Pelham Board of Education, Hutchinson students and staff...

Daronco Town House.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts serve breakfast to sailors before Memorial Day parade

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
May 28, 2019

Since 2009, Pelham American Legion Post 50 has invited Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to come serve breakfast to the U.S. service personnel who march in the Memorial Day parade. On this Memorial Day, twenty...

PMS 7th grade students walk for water to understand South Sudan

PMS 7th grade students walk for water to understand South Sudan

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
May 11, 2019

On Franklin Field, 250 seventh graders walked Friday to raise awareness for a lack of clean drinking water in South Sudan. About four years ago, as part of the new International Baccalaureate curriculum,...

Girls varsity basketball team celebrates Senior Night, gets ready for postseason

Girls varsity basketball team celebrates Senior Night, gets ready for postseason

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
February 13, 2019

Pelham Middle School Gym- The Pelham Girls' Varsity Basketball team celebrated Senior Day with a win against Harrison, who they lost to in January. The game started off with a speech from Coach Pitrulle...

TechGirlz workshop at library introduced girls to coding opportunities

TechGirlz workshop at library introduced girls to coding opportunities

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
December 17, 2018

Allie Feldman, a sophomore at Pelham Memorial High School, wants girls to start learning to code at a young age. Her reason for doing so is that they can secure more advanced jobs in technology. On...

Are modified sports teams really treated equally?

Are modified sports teams really treated equally?

By Gabby Ahitow, News Editor
October 30, 2018

Living in a small town is both a blessing and a curse. Many small towns face the problem of a popular sport overshadowing a less popular sport. This is a major issue in Pelham, specifically with girls...

A popular skiing town in winter, Stowe offers a summer escape from everyday life

A popular skiing town in winter, Stowe offers a summer escape from everyday life

By Gabby Ahitow , News Editor
September 3, 2018

STOWE, Vt. — When a ski resort comes to mind, flying down the mountain on white stuff is what most people think of—not hiking up the slope. Many people don't know that a number of ski resorts offer...

The chocolate-off between top ice cream brands

The chocolate-off between top ice cream brands

By Julia Kindig and Gabby Ahitow
July 20, 2018

We set out to find which of the major ice cream brands made the best chocolate. Ice cream from four companies was tasted: Breyers, Ben & Jerry's, Häagen-Dazs and Edy's. Breyers  As soon as...

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